Hair transplantation is an artistic, surgical redistribution of the permanent/long life hair follicles taken from the donor dominant areas, viz., the back and sides of the head to the bald/balding areas of the scalp. These long life hair follicles are transplanted into the bald/balding areas of the scalp. With current microsurgical technologies, this results in a very natural appearing hair re-growth in the bald scalp areas. Dr. Arvind Poswal, MBBS (AFMC), MIMA, Hair Transplant Surgeon in Delhi decodes the 'miracle' procedure and the risks involved. *Images courtesy: Thinkstock photos/ Getty Images

Consult an Expert:It is really important to sit down with the surgeon and to have a complete evaluation to determine whether you are a good candidate for hair transplantation. Try to choose the right expert.

Types of hair and outcome: The hair color, the texture of the hair such as whether it is straight or curly, can affect the outcome in a significant way. The candidate with lighter blonde type hair generally better result than a person with fine, straight, black hair.

Various Hair Transplant Procedures: Follicular Unit Hair Transplant (FUHT) and Follicular Unit Separation Extraction (FUSE) are the widely practiced techniques in the field of hair transplantation.

Choose the Right Procedure: The candidate needs to discuss their expectation and develop a feeling of trust before moving ahead with surgery. It is through mutual respect and sharing expectations for procedure that candidates are able to create realistic goals.

Know About the Procedure: Try to find out from the doctor every detail about the procedure that you will be undergoing. It will help to roll out the misconceptions about the treatment.

Pre-existing Medical Condition: If the candidate has a pre-existing medical condition, discuss it with the doctor at the time of consultation. For instance, if you are taking Coumadin, you will need to be off Coumadin for a week prior to your hair restoration procedure. Diabetes patients need to confirm that their diabetes is under good control.

A word of Precaution: It is very important to slow down hair fall before opting for a hair transplant. One can try medical measures to slow down the hair loss and also natural products like Keratene can be very helpful.

Potential Risks: Hair transplant surgery is a very low risk procedure. One risk of any such procedure would be the possibility of an allergic reaction to the anesthetic used. Qualified physicians will have the proper equipment and training to deal with this type of risk. Some people may experience minor swelling and in-grown hair after the procedure. This is usually easily controlled by properly trained plastic surgeons.

After Care:Once you regain your hair, proper care in the first two weeks after the procedure is very crucial for best results. Depending on the type of procedure you have done and the type of work you do, it is often possible to go back to work the next day. However, not all hair transplant recipients need the same kind of post-hair transplant care. The patient needs to inquire about specific after-care instructions during the consultation.

Hair Growth After the Procedure: Once the transplanted hair begins to grow, it will continue to do so for a lifetime. The transplanted hair generally sheds within the first 2-6 weeks after the procedure as the roots enter a resting phase. Between 3-8 months, the transplanted roots start sprouting hair. It usually takes 10-12 months to see the full improvement in terms of density, as the hair continues to mature and thicken.

Potential Risks: Hair transplant surgery is a very low risk procedure. One risk of any such procedure would be the possibility of an allergic reaction to the anesthetic used. Qualified physicians will have the proper equipment and training to deal with this type of risk. Some people may experience minor swelling and in-grown hair after the procedure. This is usually easily controlled by properly trained plastic surgeons.